Maritime
PSTT Deploys Surveillance Mechanism To Monitor Night Operations Along Port Corridors
The Port Standing Task Team (PSTT) has said it already deplored surveillance mechanism on the port corridors to monitor night activities in line with tackling corrupt practices by operators and to further ease movement of vehicles.
PSTT also vowed to bring both states and non state actors to book at the appropriate time in furtherance to send strong warning to players and operators in the maritime industry .
Coordinator General , PSTT Mr. Moses Fadipe,while speaking to newsmen during an inspection tour of the port corridor on Tuesday disclosed that the team has already commenced data collations of activities along the route linking the two seaports adding that in no distance time some targeted points will be dealt with at night.
Fadipe maintained that the road actors at night has some level of control by individual who will be unveiled soon adding that the achievements recorded so far started with surveillance mechanism .
According to him, some areas are already on target and night operations will commence to eradicate some of the bad spots militating against free flow of vehicular movement.
While giving an update on operations of the PSTT, during a meeting at the Nigerian Shippers Council board room with stakeholders, Fadipe pointed out that:“We have made tremendous progress in restoring order on port access roads. Shop owners and all those who have structures on the right of way of motorists were given prior notice to vacate such areas.
“While many of such illegal structure owners complied with notices we served them, there were those who did not comply and we had to move in to enforce the presidential directive to achieve our mandate”.
Narrating the challenges faced by members of the team, Fadipe bemoaned the actions of state actors (consisting of federal and state agencies and their agents and the confusion caused by and non-state actors such as touts and troublemakers as obstacles to effective operations of the PSTT
“We have been attacked physically on several occasions by non-state actors who are bent on having a place along the port corridor. One of our members has been seriously injured and hospitalized for weeks but he is recovering. We need the cooperation and support of all maritime stakeholders to succeed in our work to restore order and efficiency in the ports”, Fadipe said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary,Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Emmanuel Jime , Hon. Emmanuel Jime said the review is necessitated by the need to increase port efficiency and ensure free flow of traffic in all port roads within and around Apapa.
According to him “Operation free the port corridor is essentially intended to rid the ports of inefficiencies and corrupt practices to enhance the ease of doing business in the ports. The first phase of the operation was launched to clear the port access road from Apapa to Ijora. This was a huge success as observed by Maritime stakeholders and all those who use the road”.
“The success of that operation led to the launch of the second phase on the 24th of June 2022 to clear the route from the Apapa Port complex gate to Tin Can, coconut, Mile 2, Orile, Ijora down to Apapa, a distance of about 15.6 km”.
“This area was littered with chanties and trucks parked indiscriminately, thereby posing untold hardship to commuters and creating opportunities for extortion and other corrupt practices for state and non-state actors” Jime said
Highpoints of the stakeholders meeting was the distribution of raincoats and boots for both government agencies and non state actors.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
”From humble beginnings at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) when he was employed on October 17th 1994 (same month of his birth) as a junior staff on Grade Level 3, Paul Ikherovba Erakhifu popularly known as “Texas”, by dint of diligence, determination, discipline and desire rose to the defining role of senior staff Grade Level 13 in a career marked by sterling contributions and indelible impact till his return to his maker on Friday 1st May, 2026.”
These were the words of Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Nigerian Ports (NPA) in a fitting tribute in memory of the Agency’s ace photographer, Paul Erakhifu, affectionately known as “Texas”, who passed on recently.
”Although we cannot determine our appointed date of birth and death, we definitely can determine how we want to be remembered. ”
The GM stated that by his uncommon commitment to his craft (Photography) and his contagious sense of humor which he generously doled out to all who came in contact with him definitely and intentionally, “Texas” set out to be remembered for good.
”Looking back, it is plausible that with his popular refrain “you have made my day” and “powerful” which were his default response to most of those who encountered him on and off duty, late “Texas” was informing us that he would make his days on earth powerful, which he did with grace and honor as can be gleaned from his professional and career trajectory.”
Describing late Paul as one who never relented on taking advantage of opportunities to pursue career growth and personal development, Mr Onyemekara recalled that “Texas” proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature in the year 2005, Master Degree in International Relations in 2012 and a Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication.
”Poised to get ahead and be equal to the exigencies of his chosen craft, “Texas” trained at the London Film Academy, London Academy of Media, Film & Television and the Texas School of Photography USA in fulfillment of his lifelong admiration for the American city of Texas for which he adopted the sobriquet “TEXAS”.
He explained that the life and times of Texas validated the biblical truism that “that a man diligent in his business shall stand before kings and not mean men”.
”Indeed, “Texas” was diligent in his business and stood before kings both in Nigeria and internationally as he was widely travelled for high level official engagements in company of various chief executives of the Authority to Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Japan, Ghana, Togo, Congo, Guinea, South Africa, amongst others.”
Although Texas will be sorely missed and has left a vacuum so wide and difficult to fill, the NPA image maker added, “we will take solace in the immortal words of James Wrubel that ‘no one truly dies who is remembered’.
”We continue to remember and celebrate his good deeds, exceptional sense of humor and his contribution to the advancement of knowledge as evidenced in his authorship of two books with which he lighted paths and lightened burdens. ”
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following a keenly-contested election, Thursday, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor, Shipping Position Daily, emerged the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Out of 33 votes, Onigbinde polled 20 while his closest rival, Rev John Iwori, had 13.
The election, which witnessed active participation by members of the association, also produced other executive officers to pilot the affairs of MARAN following the dissolution of the Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee. These are Sylvanus Obasi (Vice President), Fabian Anawo (Secretary) and Amina Ojelabi (Assistant Secretary). Others are Ruth Umunnna (Treasurer), Ambrose Okehi (Financial Secretary) and Providence Ayanfeoluwa (Public Relations Officer).
The new MARAN Executive during swearing-in by Mr Leye Ajayi, the Lagos NUJ Chairman.
Speaking after swearing in the officers, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the newly-elected officers to conduct the affairs of the maritime journalists’ body with a deep sense of patriotism while promoting professionalism, welfare, and unity among members of the association.
Maritime Agencies
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the past eight weeks, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja , Lagos, intercepted narcotics and contrabands valued at over N5.5billion, thus, posting a substantial breakthrough in the sustained efforts to deal with smuggling of illicit goods and unauthorized importations.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo announced this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a press conference.
Beside cocaine worth ₦2.35 billion, large quantities of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent of 15 trailers, petroleum products, used vehicles, and other prohibited goods were also displayed as confiscated.
During the period, he stated, the Unit carried out 473 successful interdictions, seizing 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 328 bales of used clothing, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at ₦119 million.
Also seized were 531 cartons of frozen poultry, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 485 used tyres, and several cartons of spaghetti and sugar.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu revealed that operatives at the Gbaji Customs on Seme Road intercepted a 71-year-old suspect along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor with 6.35kg of cocaine concealed in a Toyota Highlander. The drugs, comprising powdered and crystalline variants, carry an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Under a special operation code-named Operation Hawk, the unit also seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal handover ceremony during the briefing, for further investigation and prosecution.
The CAC who lamented the huge harm consumption of drugs inflicts on the Nigerian society regretted that today, many homes are broken.
”A lot of homes are broken due to drugs and the results of drug trafficking. Our mandate is to cut off the supply chain, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
He further unveiled four cylinders of mercury concealed in a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the hazardous substance as regulated under international conventions.
The unit also recovered ₦97.7 million through Demand Notices on under-declared consignments. He requested for stronger collaboration among security agencies to confront and overcome various strategies being applied by purveyors of illicit trade networks.
Commending the synergy between the NCS and the NDLEA, Narcotics Commander, Kabiru I, K. explained that this should send a strong signal to purveyors of illicit trade that the South-West corridor is under close surveillance.
NPA Mourns her Ace Cameraman, Paul Erakhifu, alias “Texas”.
MARAN Elects Yinka Onigbinde As New President.
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
AMJON Honours NPA’s Anda with ‘Most Resourceful Port Manager’ Award At 2026 Conference.
NPA Targets Nigerian Ports As West Africa’s Trade Nerve Centre, Taking Advantage of AfCFTA.
Greg Ogbeifun, Foremost Ship Owner, To Chair Event Marking the 10th Anniversary of AMSAY Conference.
MARAN LEADERS APPRECIATION NIGHT: Iheanacho, Integrated Oil and Gas Boss, Urges Maritime Journalists To Invest in Knowledge
MARAN’s Appreciation Night for Former Presidents Showcased Pomp and Pageantry.
Tincan Port Customs Floors Smugglers, Nabs Massive Cannabis Indica Days After Pact with NDLEA.
To Attain Maritime Excellence, Conversations Must Translate Into Concrete Actions, says MAN Rector.
Capt Iheanacho Underscores the Critical Role of Media As MARAN Celebrates Past Leaders.
Ihenacho, Ogbeifun, Shittu, Other Industry Heavyweights Confirm Attendance As MARAN Celebrates Past Presidents
NSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
Dantsoho, NPA MD, Attributes Maritime Sector Transformation to Reforms and Minister’s Leadership Style.
MARAN Confirms Readiness To Celebrate Past Presidents.
1. EXECUTIVE PLATFORM. AMES 2024: TIME TO CHANGE GOVERNMENT ATTITUDE TOWARDS SHIPPING DEVELOPMENT IS NOW, AMES President Charges FG.
2023 ELECTIONS：CILT Hosts Seminar on Logistics & Electoral Process
APFFLON Seeks Immediate Reform of CRFFN, Replacement of Registrar.
OMIS AWARDS, 2022: Greg Ogbeifun, Industry Gurus For Special Recognition.
B’ODOGWU TRADE PORTAL: Customs Consolidates, Pilots Form ‘M’ Processing.
FG Set To Re-establish National Shipping Line, To Take Advantage of $10 bn Annual Ship Charter Market.
PHOTO NEWS: Maritime Capacity Development
Photo News: Salah Celebration
HALF YEAR, 2024: Apapa Customs Nets ₦1.024 Trillion, Records 143% Increase.
JANUARY-MAY REPORT: Seme Customs Hits N2.6bn, Facilitates ₦35.1bn Exports.
Sylvanus Ekpo, ex-Editor, Shipping World Magazine, loses Mum
Mama Theresa Enisuoh Due For Burial April 27
MAN, ORON: It’s Encomiums Galore From International Seabed Authority (ISA).
WAR AGAINST OIL THEFT: Tompolo’s Company Nabs VLCC Laden With Crude Oil
B’Odogwu: Apapa Customs Collects ₦161b in 3 Weeks, Assures of Improvements .
SIFAX GROUP: Ojeniyi Becomes Sky Capital GMD, Omajuwa Strategy Director.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIhenacho, Ogbeifun, Shittu, Other Industry Heavyweights Confirm Attendance As MARAN Celebrates Past Presidents
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTo Attain Maritime Excellence, Conversations Must Translate Into Concrete Actions, says MAN Rector.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoCapt Iheanacho Underscores the Critical Role of Media As MARAN Celebrates Past Leaders.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoAMJON Honours NPA’s Anda with ‘Most Resourceful Port Manager’ Award At 2026 Conference.
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Customs1 week agoKaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
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Maritime Agencies2 weeks agoTincan Port Customs Floors Smugglers, Nabs Massive Cannabis Indica Days After Pact with NDLEA.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoNPA Targets Nigerian Ports As West Africa’s Trade Nerve Centre, Taking Advantage of AfCFTA.
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Maritime Agencies1 week agoGreg Ogbeifun, Foremost Ship Owner, To Chair Event Marking the 10th Anniversary of AMSAY Conference.